A PROMINENT Great Harwood pub has been saved from closure by new owners.

The Duke of Wellington, previously owned by Scottish and Newcastle Brewery in the centre of town, has been closed since October.

Owners of the nearby Lomax, Day n Night Entertainment Ltd have now taken over the pub and plan to turn it into a live music venue in time for Christmas.

The pubs new owners say they are hoping to revive Great Harwood’s live music sceen with the two venues.

Contracts for the Towngate pub are expected to be signed on Friday, with the pub expected to open for Christmas festivities next week.

The pub’s new owners expect to release details of bands lined up shortly, including entertainment for a New Years Eve party.

Owner Sebastian Shepherd said: “Great Harwood used to have a great live music scene, but it has tailed off a bit lately.

“The response we’ve had from bands on at the Lomax has been great, and people seem to want more of the same. We hope it will be a real boost to the town’s nightlife.”

Town councillor Peter Clarke said it was ‘fantastic news’ such a prominent building had been kept in use.

He said: “It doesn’t give a very good impression of Great Harwood, when a nice building like that is boarded up or derelict.

“I am really pleased to hear someone has taken it on.

“I wish them the best of luck with making it a success. Some of the pubs seem to be doing really well know so hopefully it’s a change in fortunes for the town. It would have been a real shame if the pub was shut permanently.”